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Video: Lotus Conquers Antarctica With Concept Ice Vehicle
HETHEL, England — Lotus has unveiled photos of its Concept Ice Vehicle (CIV), a machine fit for the world of 007 that was developed to traverse the Antarctic landscape.
It was constructed to help the Moon Regan Transantarctic Expedition, a research project that will lead a team across Antarctica to raise awareness of how its condition affects the rest of the environment.
The 14.8-by-14.8-foot ultralight CIV will pilot two heavier vehicles filled with equipment and features special radar that detects hidden crevasses in the ice. Power comes from a biofuel engine, which is light enough on the three skis for one man to haul the vehicle when terrain gets rough. The propeller-driven machine also has an independent suspension and a spiked foot stationed under the cockpit to stop the CIV when the surface of the southernmost continent is extra slick.
This ice monster was designed and built by Kieron Bradley, former chassis designer for two Formula 1 teams, and polar guide Jason de Carteret.
What this means to you: Wouldn't these innovative machines be useful in northern climes during the winter? — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
It was constructed to help the Moon Regan Transantarctic Expedition, a research project that will lead a team across Antarctica to raise awareness of how its condition affects the rest of the environment.
The 14.8-by-14.8-foot ultralight CIV will pilot two heavier vehicles filled with equipment and features special radar that detects hidden crevasses in the ice. Power comes from a biofuel engine, which is light enough on the three skis for one man to haul the vehicle when terrain gets rough. The propeller-driven machine also has an independent suspension and a spiked foot stationed under the cockpit to stop the CIV when the surface of the southernmost continent is extra slick.
This ice monster was designed and built by Kieron Bradley, former chassis designer for two Formula 1 teams, and polar guide Jason de Carteret.
What this means to you: Wouldn't these innovative machines be useful in northern climes during the winter? — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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